When it comes to choosing and booking your next holiday, the options can feel overwhelming. After all, there’s a whole world out there to discover! Finding the right destination, type of holiday and length is an important decision, so it pays to do a little bit of research to find that ultimate trip to suit your travelling needs.
If you’re hoping to get a multitude of things out of your next trip, including relaxation, convenience and variety of activities and destinations, a cruise holiday could be the best thing you ever did.
So, in this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of holidays to choose from, so you can decide based on your own personal requirements.
Holidays by passenger group
Whether you’re hoping that your next holiday is going to be big family or group affair, or perhaps you’re attempting solo travelling for the first time, there’s something out there to suit you. We’ll break it down by passenger group so you can get the best idea of what that type of holiday will look like.
Couples holidays
Looking to travel with your other half? It’s the perfect opportunity for quality time, whether you’re hoping to inject a little extra romance into your life or simply experience something new together.
A couple’s cruise could be the perfect answer, with the chance to experience premium onboard dining or enjoy the opportunity to cosy up in your cabin. What’s more, you can visit more than one destination to really create some special memories together as you travel across your continent of choice.
Ideal destinations for couples include the romantic streets and charm of Italy, or perhaps the luxurious Caribbean islands with stretches of white beaches and vibrant culture. If you were hoping for something a little more exotic, unlock your senses and uncover destinations like Singapore or Shanghai, where the hustle and bustle will leave you in awe.
Family holidays
Finding the perfect family holiday that works for the adults as much as the kids can feel like a challenge, but not if you choose a family cruise. With so much to do onboard and with a wealth of amenities at your doorstep, everyone can easily find something to entertain them come day or night, whether it’s mesmerising entertainment, exhilarating watersports or children-friendly menus at every turn.
What’s more, the destinations you choose to visit as a family will serve as lasting memories for years to come, as you teach your children about the world they live in. Make your life even easier with a no fly cruise which means no airport queues or flight delays with little ones in tow.
When it comes to family-friendly destinations, uncover the sights across the Mediterranean with Spain, Portugal and Greece, all of which welcome children and family culture with open arms. On the other hand, a cruise around the Caribbean and USA could mean an exciting stop off at Port Canaveral and access to the Orlando theme parks for the ultimate experience – not to mention the private islands across the Caribbean owned by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line.
A cruise around the Emirates and Dubai could also offer a first-rate experience for travellers of all ages, with so much to do from unspoilt beaches to incredible malls and spectacular year-round weather.
Friends and group holidays
Going on holiday with a group, whether that be a group of close friends or multiple families heading off together, can be an incredibly fun way to spend your downtime. The chance to see more of the world and experience it with some of your nearest and dearest is always a good idea – but finding the right type of holiday for different personalities can be tricky.
A cruise for group holidays could be the perfect way to cater to everyone, from those who want to unwind and enjoy more of the ship’s facilities like the spa and pool, to those who want to be in the heart of the adventure with excursions in port.
Some of the best destinations for holidaying with friends can include the USA, with everything from cosmopolitan cities and iconic landmarks to incredible vistas thanks to destinations like San Francisco, New York and Alaska. Or why not venture across Africa together, taking in the beautiful sights of Cape Town or experiencing the wildlife of this phenomenal continent.
Solo holidays
Are you considering a holiday just for yourself? Solo holidays are an incredible way to see the world and explore destinations on your own terms, especially on a cruise. With the opportunity to meet like-minded people along the way, a solo cruise can bring you convenience and adventure in equal measures.
Knowing where to travel to on your solo holiday is the trick, making sure you get the most out of your precious time off. Discover the breathtaking sights of Scandinavia, with a chance to experience the tranquillity of the Northern Lights and the stunning fjords. Or take a tour of the Greek Isles as you lose yourself in their mythical history and architecture, with stops including Athens, Santorini and Corfu.
Long haul vs short haul holidays
You may want to base your holiday decision on whether you want to stay closer to home or travel further afield. With so many different destinations, whittling it down this way can help you to make that all-important decision when it comes to booking.
Long haul holidays
Looking for a long haul holiday that will completely remove you from your day-to-day responsibilities and give you a new perspective? Travelling long haul could be just the thing, with places like the Asia, Australia and the Indian Ocean providing you with an unwavering sense of escapism.
Destinations such as Hong Kong, Phuket or Kuala Lumpur can provide once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with the chance to experience a burst of culture and oriental charm. Or perhaps you’d prefer to switch off in the Maldives, or discover the magic of the Australian outback. The further you go, the more you’ll be inspired.
What’s more, by travelling long haul on a cruise you can experience the wonders of the ship while journeying from place to place, leaving you to enjoy gourmet dining, onboard spas, children’s entertainment and more as you cross the seas.
Short haul holidays
Of course, it’s easy to forget just how much is on your doorstep. Keeping your travels short haul can be the perfect way to experience what your very own continent has to offer.
Consider uncovering every corner of the Mediterranean on a cruise, with firm favourite destinations like Barcelona, Nice and Ibiza taking the spotlight – not to mention unique stops like Istanbul and Dubrovnik. The list of things to see and do is endless, from cultural highlights to unforgettable cuisine.
There’s no wonder that Europe continues to be a top destination for people from around the world, and luckily for you, it’s only a short stop away.
Relaxing vs active holidays
Are you the type of traveller who can’t wait to get up early, see the sights and try your hand at something new? Or do you prefer staying close to the beach and wandering leisurely with no plan? Either way, this could be a great basis to decide on your holiday destination.
Relaxing holidays
Choosing to spend your holiday doing nothing can be the dream scenario for some, with dedicated time to slow down and switch off. For those who prefer to go with the flow and take it all in from afar, a cruise holiday can offer the ultimate experience. With onboard spas, wellbeing activities and cabins designed with comfort in mind, many cruises can cater effortlessly to those who wish to just enjoy the time passing by.
Consider destinations like the secluded and tranquil paradise of the Pacific, where your only job is to drink in the landscapes of Hawaii or dip your feet in the water surrounding Bora Bora. Alternatively, enjoy an escape to the Canary Islands and enjoy good weather and a slower pace of life year-round.
Active holidays
Wanting a little more get-up-and-go from your next holiday? We don’t blame you. Sometimes the world is better discovered by putting yourself right at the heart of the action, giving you the chance to experience things first-hand.
A cruise holiday could offer a great solution here, with the chance to visit different places and try your hand at any number of activities in one itinerary. Consider destinations like South America, with the chance to see incredible nature trails, learn the tango or samba or visit one of the many historical museums in the area.
Or perhaps a tour around New Zealand sounds more like your thing, an incredibly beautiful part of the world that brings you closer to nature than ever before. Home to mountains, lakes and cultural cities, you have the opportunity to soak in the culture, heritage and architecture.
Holidays by duration
Choosing whether you want to be away for a long weekend or 3-4 weeks could be the secret to unlocking your perfect holiday. After all, you may only have time to squeeze in an enjoyable week off while the kids are off school, or you might have the luxury of more free time on your hands. So, depending on how long you’re looking to holiday for, there’s a wealth of destination options to choose from.
Long weekend holidays
For those who just need a few days to switch off and reset before returning to everyday life, a long weekend could be the perfect answer. You can see and do more than you think during a long weekend off, but you’ll need to be organised and choose your destinations wisely.
Consider staying close to home for a long weekend holiday, such as taking in the beauty of a unique UK cruise with destinations like the Isles of Scilly, Guernsey and the Jurassic Coast. Alternatively, enjoy the sights of the western Mediterranean for a short, sunny break with charming places like Marseille, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia. By cruising around these destinations you can really make the most of your time away, enjoying everything the ship has to offer to keep the holiday flow when travelling from place to place.
Week long holidays
Hoping for a little bit longer to enjoy your time off? Taking a week to explore somewhere new or an old favourite is often the best medicine. What’s more, you can maximise your time relaxing by embarking on a week-long cruise, giving you the opportunity to simply enjoy days at sea in between your time exploring.
Destinations like the Greek Isles, Scandinavia or the Canary Islands give you the ultimate opportunity to enjoy your downtime exactly as you’d like. Uncover the sights of Oslo and venture out to the stunning fjords, or spend your days hopping from Athens to Santorini to Rhodes.
10-14 day holidays
A longer holiday doesn’t just give you the chance to live at a different pace for a while, but also the opportunity to see more of the world in one go. Whether you’re hoping to include a little action and activity in your longer holiday, or you just need two weeks of R&R before you feel fully recharged, it’s a failsafe way to really throw yourself into a new way of life.
Cruising for up to two weeks can provide you with an incredible experience, giving you the chance to see more of the ship’s facilities like gala dinners, Broadway-style entertainment and more as you travel the world’s oceans. Booking a Cruise & Stay package can really help you to maximise your time abroad, with flights and accommodation included.
Hop the islands of the Caribbean to soak up the culture and cuisine of the different nations, as you relax on the beach by day and dance to reggae by night. Or, discover the incredible wonders of Canada and New England, stopping in Boston, New York City, Saint John and Halifax.
Long stay holidays
If you have the luxury of being able to stay on holiday for a prolonged period of time, then why not take advantage! Considering where to go or just how long to go for can be much easier by looking at the possibility of a long cruise around the world, taking away the stress and hassle of hotel rooms and repacking bags, catching multiple flights or the impending stress of potential delays or interruptions.
Long stay holidays are a great opportunity to tick places off your bucket list and adopt a new way of life, whether it’s for 3-4 weeks or even months. Some world cruises start from 28 nights and can go up to 132 nights, giving you the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Travel through Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Central Pacific, Australia, the Far East and India – all in one itinerary spanning 4 months. What’s more, you have plenty of days of sea and time on the ship to recuperate and enjoy being well-looked after.
Holidays by time of year
The time of year can be a huge factor in choosing your next holiday, and different parts of the world can experience a variation of weather throughout the year. So, if you’re constrained by school holidays, or you have a penchant for disappearing in the winter when the UK gets cold, considering where you can go on holiday depending on the time of year will be a big influence.
Summer
During our summer, there are plenty of places around the globe that are also experiencing great weather to take advantage of. After all, the UK summer isn’t always a sizzler. A cruise in the summer gives you the perfect chance to see a range of places when they’re at their best, whether you’re sunbathing on the deck or taking advantage of the many excursions available.
Some summer destinations to consider span across Europe, including Venice, Crete or Ibiza, or enjoy a dedicated cruise around the Canary Islands and enjoy family-favourites like Tenerife and Lanzarote.
Winter
Are you looking for more of a cosy, winter getaway? Perhaps the cooler weather gives you the opportunity to enjoy your destination more without having to worry about reapplying suncream or overheating. A winter cruise could be the answer to seeing some of the world’s natural beauty in all its glory, as you wrap up and enjoy the vistas from the top deck or take advantage of the spa.
The Norwegian fjords are an incredible destination for the winter months as you watch the glaciers form and take in the fascinating architecture across Norway’s coast. Not too far away, a Baltic cruise gives you the opportunity to learn the area’s medieval history and fascinating culture with destinations like Copenhagen, Helsinki and Gothenburg. Cities like these are truly stunning in the winter months, whether you’re wandering the Christmas markets or trying out the local delicacies.
If it’s winter sun you’re looking for, escape the UK to the likes of Australia, the Far East or the Caribbean and soak up that warm and sunny weather while the UK hibernates.
Spring
Often dubbed as a shoulder season, spring can be a beautiful time of year to enjoy pleasant weather without the crowds. A cruise in spring can deliver a great opportunity to take advantage of the ship’s facilities, from incredible dining options to award-winning entertainment, with comfortable temperatures warm enough to take in the outdoor decks too.
For the best holiday destinations in spring, South America is a popular choice, giving you not only a more affordable option during the shoulder season but also fewer crowds in the tourist hotspots. Average temperatures reach mid-20s, so you can enjoy the sights of Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Alternatively, Asia experiences its high season until April before the rainy season begins, giving you the chance to see the cherry blossom in Japan, explore the impressive temples of Cambodia or simply just take in the oriental charm across the region.
Autumn
Travelling in autumn can often be overlooked, as many will have spent summers abroad or are looking forward to a Christmas break. However, visiting somewhere new in autumn can give you the chance to experience destinations as the leaves are changing and that unmistakable crisp feeling in the air begins to creep in. What’s more, an autumn cruise can provide you with a bit more of a peaceful experience than peak season, so you can enjoy the sights of your chosen destination with a little less hustle and bustle.
There’s one cruise itinerary perfectly designed for this time of year, and that’s a cruise around Canada and New England. In the autumn, or fall as they would refer to it, you can enjoy the stunning nature and vibrancy of the cities in a new light. Start in the incredible region of New England, renowned for colonial history with places like Boston and Portland, before travelling up to Nova Scotia and Quebec.
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide of just where you can go on holiday depending on your preferences. From time of year to who you’re travelling with, there’s a cruise itinerary to suit you perfectly. Check out our latest cruise deals here, or check out more of our helpful blogs on cruising today.